Dear Runner,
Happy almost race day!!
You may be over analyzing every detail of race weekend, or you may just be remembering that you signed up for this race when it sounded like a great idea, realizing the transfer deadline has passed, and you may actually have to do the dang thing.
Me? While I will undoubtably have pre-race jitters, I will also undoubtably be most stressed about packing. I hate packing. With a passion. It’s up there with my distain for unpacking, the Yankees, and the Jets (sorry not sorry, New York. She’s a Boston gal). Alas, as a Bostonian, I have to travel for Grandma’s Weekend, and not packing is not an option.
But you know what I love? A list. Even more so? A list of lists.
So below is my master list of lists of what I recommend bringing to Grandma’s Weekend (and what you’ll probably be okay forgetting).
Now, take this all with a grain of salt. My mom says that I am a chronic over-packer. I don’t know what she means. Two-day camping trip? I obviously need 6 pairs of shoes, my hairdryer, and a ballgown.
Happy (or uphappy) packing, friends! Remember, chances are you can find almost anything you forget at the Expo.
Run hard, run fun,
Ally
ALLY’S DECLASSIFIED GRANDMA’S SURVIVAL GUIDE*
* Friday-Sunday
Friday, June 21st
| Travel / Expo and Bib Pick-Up | 5k or Shakeout Run | Spaghetti Dinner / Hanging Out / Bedtime |
Clothes | o Comfy sneakers or shoes o T-shirt o Comfy pants o Socks o Underwear o Sunglasses o Light jacket or sweatshirt
| o Running shoes* o Socks o Shirt o Sports bra (as applicable) o Sunglasses o Hat o Headband
| o See Travel /Expo o Bathing suit
|
Fuel | o Road trip snacks
| o e.g., gels, liquid IV, granola bar, gummy bears, etc.
| o Carbohydrates and water o And ice cream. Unless you’re lactose intolerant.
|
Electronics | o Phone
| o Phone o Watch o Headphones o Water bottle**
| o Phone o Chargers (phone and watch) o Therabody recovery boots (not an ad…)
|
Other
| o Killer road trip playlist
| o Music o Hair ties (as applicable)
| o Toothbrush o Toothpaste o Retainer o Hairbrush o Pajamas o Contacts o Glasses o Medication o Shampoo o Conditioner o Soap o Shaving Cream o Razor
|
Notes | A few things I take into consideration: (1) Comfort – I am coming in from out of state and will be in the car for a long time on Friday; (2) Photos – there are a lot of great photo opportunities at the Expo. You do you! | * I had a dream I forgot my shoes and had to run in my converse sneakers. Hypothetical me 10/10 does not recommend.
** I am a camel, so I usually run with a water bottle regardless of distance. |
|
You could forget almost anything on this list and find it at the Expo (except maybe your phone/music/medications/retainer)!
| |||
Saturday, June 22nd
| Pre-Race | Race | Post-Race / Post-Post Race / Bedtime |
Clothes | o Your BIB o Warm “throw away” clothes – Sweatshirt, jacket, long sleeve shirt, sweatpants, hat, gloves, etc.* | o Running shoes* o Socks o Shorts, leggings, whatever legwear your heart desires. o Underwear** o T-shirt, tank top, or long sleeves*** o Jacket**** o Hat***** o Sunglasses
| o Drop bag contents (see above)
*Insert shower, nap, snacks here*
o Fresh shorts o Fresh shirt* o Sunglasses o Hat o Bathing suit
|
Fuel | o Bus or train ride snacks
| o e.g., Gels, liquid IV, granola bar, gummy bears, etc.
| o Water o Electrolytes |
Electronics | o Phone o Watch o headphones
| o Phone o Watch o Headphones
| o Phone o Chargers (phone and watch) o Therabody recovery boots (not an ad…)
|
Other
| o Drop bag – I usually put in a snack, my Oofos slides (or another pair of comfy shoes), and a change of socks. o Identification**
| o Music o Hair ties (as applicable) o Phone case/arm band o Water bottle o Fanny pack o Sunscreen o Anti-chafe cream or gel (e.g., Body Glide, Vaseline, etc.)
| o YOUR MEDAL(S)** o Identification*** o Sunscreen**** o Toothbrush o Toothpaste o Retainer o Hairbrush o Pajamas o Contacts o Glasses o Medication o Shampoo o Conditioner o Soap o Shaving Cream o Razor
|
Notes | * Grandma’s has an early start and it’s chilly in the morning. You may be waiting around for a while before you start! That sweatshirt you’ve been saying you’ll part ways with for years but haven’t yet? This is your time! The clothes you ditch at the start line will be donated (#ReduceReuseRecycle).
** I run with my driver’s license as a safety thing, but do whatever you are most comfortable with! | * See above re: bad dream
** Or not. You do you.
*** Grandma’s Weekend weather can be unpredictable, so I recommend bringing options. But remember, my mom says I overpack…
**** Weather dependent
***** There isn’t a ton of shade on the course. Protect your forehead and face, friends!
| * Hellooooo Grandma’s finisher shirt!
** Wear them loud and proud!
*** If you are over the age of 21 and want to have an adult beverage.
**** Yes, more of it. Reapply, y’all. |
Like the 5k, you could forget probably 90% of these things and find whatever you are missing at the Expo! I didn’t buy my Oofos until I got to the Expo last year (for legal reasons, this is not an ad).
| |||
Sunday, June 23rd
| Travel | Recovery Run | Hanging Out |
Clothes* | o Comfy sneakers or shoes o T-shirt o Comfy pants o Socks o Underwear o Sunglasses o Light jacket or sweatshirt
| o Running shoes o Socks o Shirt o Sports bra (as applicable) o Sunglasses o Hat o Headband
| o See Travel o Bathing suit
|
Fuel | o Road trip snacks
| o e.g., gels, liquid IV, granola bar, gummy bears, etc.
|
|
Electronics | o Phone
| o Phone o Watch o Headphones o Water bottle
| o Phone o Chargers (phone and watch) o Therabody recovery boots (not an ad…)
|
Other
| o Killer road trip playlist
| o Music o Hair ties (as applicable)
| o Whatever else you need or want for vacation! |
*Honestly, I will probably wear the exact same travel outfit from Friday. See mom? Not an over packer. Maybe.
| |||
Ally Colton
Ally Colton is a 2024 Grambassador. Meet the other Grambassadors here.
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: PR’ing my half marathon was a huge highlight, but cheering my best friend across the finish line of his first full was by far the best part of the weekend (I’m also a sucker for any opportunity to ring a cow-bell and cheer at a race).
A quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: Hills don’t care about your feelings (@immrsspacecadet, Erin Azar), also an accurate description of my training.
Song that must be on your running playlist: Big Bootie Mix Vol. 13 by Two Friends; the Hamilton Soundtrack; anything Pitbull
Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: hail or dangerous ice. They don’t cancel the marathon when it rains 
Favorite post-race beverage: DUNKIES (medium iced coffee with blueberry and hazelnut, oat milk & sugar, basically a blueberry muffin)
2024 running goal: Right now it’s a sub-5 marathon, but if I hit that in NYC, I’ll be brainstorming a new goal.